Child’s-eye view of personal and political upheaval in ‘After the Fog’
The child lead actress and the director of "After the Fog," nominated for the Golden Goblet Awards Main Competition, discussed the movie during a session at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival crew meeting on Friday.
《Set against the backdrop of a hotly contested Chilean referendum in 1988, the film tells the story of an 8-year-old girl who silently witnesses the collapse of the adult world amidst the breakdown of her family and a nation in turmoil.
The character-driven drama depicts childhood loneliness and social fractures with adroit cinematography, allowing the audience to witness how politics quietly etches itself into a child's memories.
The British-born director Miriam Heard explained her choice of Chile as the backdrop for the narrative of her screenplay.
"Twenty-five years ago, when I first visited Chile, I was deeply captivated by its landscapes, the things happening on this land, and the distinctive characters of the Chilean people," she said.
"Having been exposed to diverse cultures, I found even greater inspiration in the country’s multicultural environment."
Heard further elaborated that the film – a co-production of Chile, Great Britain and France – intertwines Chile's social reality with a child's inner world, and surmised that this approach bears similarities to Chinese cinema.
"It depicts a young girl navigating a period of being lost, showing how she finds her true self and consciousness within both the external world and her inner world." she added.
"I believe this genre shares common ground with Chinese cinema, and it can resonate with Chinese audiences. I eagerly anticipate their feedback."
The twelve-year-old lead actress, Ema Godoy, making her cinematic debut, conveyed her comprehension of the role with a sincerity befitting her age.
"I drew upon my personal experience to establish a connection with the character, immersing in her reality throughout the filming process to understand her journey," Godoy said.
"For example, when the character encountered sadness, I related it to my own moments of sorrow."
She then concluded, "As an actress, I experienced a different life and helped create a meaningful film through collaborative efforts with the director."
Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism
